1.
to focus (a camera or lens); to bring into focus
To adjust a camera lens or similar optical device so that the image is sharp and clear. Can also be used figuratively to mean focusing one's attention or discussion on a specific point.
カメラのピントを合わせる。
I focus the camera.
被写体にピントを合わせてからシャッターを切った。
I focused on the subject and then pressed the shutter.
暗い場所ではピントを合わせるのが難しいので、マニュアルフォーカスに切り替えた。
It's hard to focus in dark places, so I switched to manual focus.
USAGE:
ピント comes from the Dutch word "brandpunt" (focal point). The expression uses を合わせる (to adjust, to match). When the focus is off, the opposite expression is ピントがずれる (to be out of focus), which is also commonly used figuratively for missing the point in conversation.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ～にピントを合わせる (to focus on ~)
- ピントが合う (to be in focus — intransitive)
- ピントがずれる (to be out of focus)
- ピントが合わない (unable to focus; out of focus)
SIMILAR WORDS:
フォーカスを合わせる is a more modern synonym using the English loanword "focus." 焦点を合わせる is a more formal equivalent.